Nathan’s Famous has unveiled the official list of sites that will host hot dog eating contests to qualify competitive eaters who will participate in the annual Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest at Nathan’s Famous on Brooklyn’s Coney Island.

The Nathan’s Famous qualifying tour stops in four new cities this year. It is also premiering at NASCAR events, including the annual Speed Street celebration in Charlotte, N.C.; Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pa.; and Sonoma Raceway in Northern California. Nathan’s Famous will host its first-ever qualifier at Busch Stadium prior to a St. Louis Cardinals game in May. This year’s circuit begins on April 26th in Las Vegas and stops at 12 other cities before the final event takes place on July 4, 2014 at the Nathan’s Famous flagship in Coney Island.

The top male and top female finishers from each qualifier will earn a spot to compete in the ESPN-televised finals at the original Nathan’s Famous, a holiday tradition since 1916. In recent years, an estimated 40,000 fans have traveled to the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Coney Island to watch the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in person. The live telecast of the event has consistently attracted millions of viewers since ESPN first aired the contest in 2004, company officials say.

Joey Chestnut of San Jose, Calif. holds the world record for eating 69 Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes in 2013, and he will seek his eighth straight title this year. Sonya Thomas of Alexandria, Va. will defend her title as Female Champion; she consumed 36 ¾ Hot Dogs and Buns in 10 minutes last year.

According to archives, the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest has occurred each July 4th in Coney Island, NY since 1916, the year Nathan Handwerker opened the legendary restaurant, officials say. Major League Eating, the governing body of all stomach-centric sport, sanctions the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Circuit and ensures the contests are judged professionally and that safety standards are in place at each event.

Those interested in competing in a Nathan’s Famous qualifier should visit www.nathansfamous.com to obtain information and register. All competitors must be over 18 years of age.